NatureLife Cambodia launched a new project at Koh Kapik Ramar site

By San Sineang

Koh Kong Province, On 1 July 2026, NatureLife Cambodia, in collaboration with General Department of Protected Areas of the Ministry of Environment and Koh Kong Provincial Department of Environment, officially launched the project “Empowering Coastal Communities for Biodiversity Conservation and Green Livelihoods in Koh Kapik Ramsar Site, Cambodia” at Koh Kong Provincial Department of Environment.

The launching workshop was presided over by Mr. Meas Rithy, Deputy Director of the Department of Coastal and Marine Conservation, as a representative of the General Department of Protected Areas, Ministry of Environment. The event was co-chaired by Mr. On Sothearith, Deputy Governor of Koh Kong Province; Mr. Hun Marady, Director of Koh Kong Provincial Department of Environment; Mr. Bou Vorsak, Executive Director of NatureLife Cambodia; Mr. Hem Bunsambor, Deputy Governor of Koh Kong District; and Dr. DingLi Yong, Flyways Programme Coordinator for Asia at BirdLife International. The workshop was attended by more than 40 participants (including three women), representing Fisheries Administration, site managers, park rangers, Community Protected Areas, local authorities, school directors, and partner organizations.

Funded by the 30×30 Southeast Asia Ocean Fund, the three-year project (2026–2029) will be implemented at Koh Kapik Ramsar Site, Koh Kong Province, Cambodia. The project aims to strengthen the capacity and participation of local communities and key stakeholders in conserving biodiversity, protecting coastal and wetland ecosystems, promoting sustainable natural resource management, and improving green livelihoods.

The launch workshop formally introduced the project to government agencies, local authorities, community representatives, development partners, and other key stakeholders. Participants were briefed on the project’s objectives, expected outcomes, implementation approach, work plan, and coordination mechanisms. The workshop also provided a platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and the collection of recommendations to enhance effective, transparent, and sustainable project implementation.

During the workshop, government officials and representatives of partner organizations expressed their strong support for the project and reaffirmed their commitment to working collaboratively to conserve Koh Kapik Ramsar Site. Recognized as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention, Koh Kapik provides critical habitat for shorebirds, fisheries, and other wildlife while supporting the livelihoods of surrounding coastal communities.

The workshop concluded with a shared understanding among stakeholders of the project’s objectives, implementation strategy, and expected results. Participants also provided valuable recommendations that will be incorporated into the project work plan to strengthen collaboration, promote local ownership, and ensure the long-term success of biodiversity conservation, coastal ecosystem protection, and sustainable livelihood development in Koh Kapik Ramsar Site.